Three new board members wanted for Highlands and Islands Enterprise

Scottish Ministers are looking to fill three non-executive director positions on the board of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), with the new appointees expected to start three-year terms in September. 

The development agency operates across a geographically diverse region that is home to around 470,000 people and covers more than half of Scotland’s land mass, including all 94 inhabited islands.

With around 250 employees, HIE supports businesses and communities to build a greener, fairer, and more resilient region that benefits everyone and makes a strong contribution to Scotland’s economy.

Its current five-year strategy is aligned with national policies and sets out a vision for a leading net zero region with a dynamic wellbeing economy.

Chair of HIE Angus Campbell said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to join the board of an ambitious organisation with a vital role in supporting businesses and communities across the Highlands and Islands.

“While these are challenging times for economies all over the world, we recognise the exceptional opportunities that exist here as drivers of growth, prosperity and fair work for the Highlands and Islands and for Scotland.

“Currently, these include the tremendous potential of renewable energy, the blue economy, space, life sciences and the region’s natural capital, along with long-established sectors such as tourism, creative industries and food and drink.

“It’s important that our board encompasses a range of skills, knowledge and experience to reflect the diversity of our region and the opportunities and challenges currently facing this part of Scotland.”

The 12-member HIE board is responsible for setting strategic direction, key decision making and effective governance, with members possessing a range of skills, knowledge and experience that reflect the diversity of the region and the breadth of HIE’s remit.

All applicants in the current recruitment round will be expected to have a close affinity with the Highlands and Islands and a strong awareness of opportunities and challenges facing businesses and communities across the region.

They should also demonstrate knowledge and experience of at least one of three key sectors – namely food and drink, tourism and energy, particularly offshore.

Knowledge and experience of Gaelic language and culture and of community wealth building will be advantageous.

Scottish Ministers particularly welcome applications from women, people with disabilities, LGBTQI+ people, people from ethnic minority communities and people aged under 50. A guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants will be in place.

·         Full details are on the Public Appointments Scotland website.